Paragon Profile: Sam Spurling

As much as we all love Magic, the thing that makes Magic great and keeps us coming back are the friends and community Magic brings with it. In our Paragon Profile series, we'll be introducing you to a bunch of our local players who you could be sitting across from at the Paragon Games.

Paragon Games could not be possible without the help and support of Canberra's local game stores. Sam from Jolt Games has been there from the start, giving us tips and helping us set up the stream at Jolt. He's the friendly face at Jolt who's never afraid to offer help and advice to players.

Community, meet Sam Spurling!

When did you start playing Magic?

I started playing Magic when I was about 11 years old. Lorwyn had just come out and a friend from school had a couple of starter decks.

What brought you into Magic?

I learned to play in primary school but never got properly into it until high school when I found a games club that played a lot of Magic.

Why have you kept playing?

I played all through high school and made a lot of friends playing Magic. It’s now a good way for me to get out and socialise and meet new people, as well as just relax and have fun with friends.

What type of events and formats do you like playing in?

I enjoy a range of events ­­– from FNM and weekly store events all the way up to Grand Prixs. I just really enjoy the tournament environment. As for formats, I generally like limited the most because it’s a format where everyone starts on the same level.

What type of colours do you like playing?

I enjoy pretty much every colour in Magic but I generally like Bant (White/Blue/Green). I enjoy colour combinations where your main line of attack is having better creatures than your opponent and winning with sheer board control. It feels more consistent than hyper aggressive decks and more satisfying than true control.

What’s your most memorable moment in Magic?

It has to be the first time I top 8’d an event. I was playing Mono Green Infect with Glistener Elf, Mutagenic Growth and Wild Defiance in standard. I was so ecstatic. I got knocked out in the quarter finals but to make it that far was enough for me.

What are the most important characteristics you think a Magic player should have?

Definitely social skills. In Magic, the thing you do the most is interact with people, whether that be your opponent, judges or whoever. Being able to do that is really important.

What advice would you give to a new player?

Get out there and play as much as you can. Expect to lose a lot at first but keep looking for ways to improve.

You’re also known as a Magic judge in the community. What made you decide to become a Magic judge?

I decided to start judging out of a love for the game and the tournament scene in Canberra. I love the little interactions between cards and intricacies of game play. I also wanted to contribute something to the local community. The community has helped me a lot and I wanted to give back in some way.

So what do you think of Paragon Games?

It’s a cool and different take on the tournament scene in Australia. It has the potential to be something really successful and I’m excited to see it in its early stages.

What is your life outside of Magic?

I work at Jolt Games, a local games store in Canberra. When I’m not thinking about Magic, I’m generally thinking about other games. I also play a lot of music.

What’s your favourite colour of the colour pie?

Probably white or green.

Which colour of the colour pie do you think best represents you and why?

I think the best representation of me is probably red. I generally act hastily without much forethought (laughs).

The Paragon Games Tournament Series 2016 season is running in Canberra from 17 September to 3 December. Register now for your chance to share in $1750 in cash prizes and player rewards!